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SINGAPORE, 6 NOVEMBER 2024 – Koh Swee Yen, Senior Counsel, has been appointed by the Republic of Singapore to serve on the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) Panel of Arbitrators for a six-year term commencing in October 2024. Swee Yen is one of two distinguished individuals who have been newly appointed. The other is Mr Quentin Loh, Senior Counsel, who was formerly a Judge of the Appellate Division as well as President of the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC). Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon and Professor Lawrence Boo have also been reappointed to the Panel.

ICSID plays a critical role in facilitating the resolution of disputes between investors and states, and in fostering international investment and economic development. Each member state of the ICSID is permitted to designate up to only four highly qualified individuals to the Panel, making this appointment particularly significant. The selection process for these arbitrators is rigorous, requiring candidates to possess a profound understanding of international investment law, alongside robust experience in public international law and international arbitration. Ability to conduct arbitration and draft awards is paramount, as is their demonstrated competence in law, commerce, industry, and finance. The criteria for membership also demands high moral character and deep expertise, ensuring that appointed arbitrators are trusted to exercise independent judgment and lead arbitration proceedings effectively.

Said Chairman and Managing Partner of WongPartnership, Ng Wai King, “We are very pleased to have one of our leading dispute lawyers, and the Head of our International Arbitration practice, appointed to this prestigious position. I believe that Swee Yen’s exceptional expertise and contribution to international arbitration as an active practitioner will serve her well in her role on the ICSID panel. I have no doubt she will shine in this new role, advancing the principles of fair and effective dispute resolution."

Swee Yen’s appointment highlights not only her individual accomplishments and her commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness in international investment disputes but also the strength of our firm’s International Arbitration Practice. “We are immensely proud of Swee Yen’s appointment,” said Chou Sean Yu, Deputy Managing Partner and Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution of WongPartnership. “This recognition is a testament to her integrity as a Senior Counsel and her deep expertise in the law. It also underscores the strength of our investor-state arbitration practice, which provides top-tier and excellent legal services to our clients.”

Swee Yen is deeply honoured to receive this prestigious appointment and looks forward to contributing to the advancement of international investment law and enhancing Singapore’s standing in the international dispute resolution field.

Click here to access Swee Yen’s full bio.

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Headquartered in Singapore, WongPartnership is a market leader and one of the largest law firms in the country. Through our WPG regional law network, our clients benefit from unparalleled legal expertise and tailored solutions across Asia and the Middle East, encompassing key markets such as Abu Dhabi, China, Dubai, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

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